Just a comment about the school "rankings" compared to other countries. Please note that we are the only country that provides the "same" educational experiences for all students. Part of that experience are the standardized assessments where these numbers are derived from. In most other countries students with special needs go to specialized schools or are not granted an educational opportunity. Other countries also, often times, have educational "tracks" in which only students on the "academic" track would take the assessments that contribute towards these rankings. Like all other data it can be manipulated to show whatever one wants it too. As for the religion in school, it doesn't belong in public school. That said its the same bit bitchification of America. We bitch about everything. Get the f over it, we are all different. We have a pledge that has religion in it. We shouldn't be surprised to hear people in schools say "one nation under God" every day.